the fiscal cliff. senate majority leader harry reid, speeches on the senate floor from california democrat barbara boxer, west virginia senator joe mansion, texas republican kay bailey hutchison and then caucus leaders speak to reporters. r is recognized. mr. reid: thank you very much, mr. president. i was really gratified to hear the republicans have taken their demand for social security benefit cuts off the table. the truth ishey should never have been on the table to begin with. there is still significant distance between the two sides, but negotiations continue. there is still time left to reach an agreement, and we intend to continue negotiations. i ask unanimous consent that the senate now proceed to a period of morning business for debate only with senators permitted to speak for up to ten minutes each. the presiding officer: without objection, so ordered. . reid: mr. president, we're going to come in at 11:00 a.m. tomorrow morning. we'll have further announcements perhaps at 11:00 in the morni